Kuraczea of Ansonia leaves UConn, football program

STORRS -- Erik Kuraczea, a starting guard on the UConn football team, left the program and the school for "personal reasons" Tuesday.

A third-year sophomore and former standout at Ansonia High, Kuraczea is apparently planning to transfer.

UConn (3-3, 0-1) is preparing to take on Big East foe Louisville Saturday.

Kuraczea was suspended from all of the team's activities, including the first three games this season, for an undisclosed violation of the athletic department's rules in August.

But much like quarterback Cody Endres, who was also suspended for the same period, Kuraczea found himself back in the starting lineup not long after his return.

Kuraczea's leaving did not have anything to do with the reasons for his previous suspension, according to multiple sources.

UConn coach Randy Edsall didn't offer much in the way of explanation when announcing Kuraczea's departure Tuesday.

"Erik Kuraczea has withdrawn from the university due to personal reasons," Edsall said. "He's going to be looking to go to another college in January. That's all I have to say on that situation."

Kuraczea did not immediately respond to messages left for him Tuesday.

Kuraczea's departure was rather sudden. He practiced Sunday with the rest of the Huskies and many of them were stunned to hear he was no longer on the team when told Tuesday.

The Huskies had an off-day Monday, but if there was a specific incident that led to Kuraczea's decision to leave, it likely occurred that day.

"I just found out two minutes ago," center Moe Petrus said. "It's definitely a shock to me. I have no idea what's going on."

Endres, who had worked out with Kuraczea some when the two were suspended, was as surprised as anyone else.

"It's tough because he's a good player," the Husky quarterback said. "I enjoyed playing with him. It's disappointing to me."

The 6-foot-2, 320-pound Kuraczea played in 10 games last season as a freshman, starting five, as he and Matt Olivier battled for a starting position. Olivier, now a fifth-year senior, will obviously take over for Kuraczea at left guard this week and in the near future.

Olivier's move back into the starting lineup isn't likely to create major problems for the Huskies.

"I feel absolutely comfortable with Matt. He started off the season with us (as a starter)," Petrus said. "I love him. I used to live with him. I'm happy with him there."

When asked after his initial comments on Kuraczea for an additional explanation, Edsall was curt.

"I said what I had to say and that was it. He's not here any longer," Edsall said. "I told the young man exactly what I was going to say in the press conference and I'm going to keep true to my word."

Ansonia coach Tom Brockett said that he had spoken to Edsall and Kuraczea's mother about his departure, but declined to elaborate on the reason for it.

"I wish things worked out for him," Brockett said by phone Tuesday. "UConn's a great school. I was surprised by the decision, but it's between him and his family."

If Kuraczea transfers to another Division I-A (FBS) school, he would have to sit out a full season of competition before playing for that new team. If he transfers to a Division I-AA (FCS) or Division II school, he theoretically would be eligible to play immediately.